by Suman Gupta
Mumbai, July, 2017 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) 2017 from 25-28 July in the stunning environs of Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand where golf tour operators and buyers from key international markets met with suppliers and golf course owners from across Thailand.
TGTM 2017 showcased Thailand as a world-class golf destination, with its amazing courses that show beautiful scenery while offering world-class amenities and famously friendly Thai caddies. The event helped to create new opportunities for Thai golf business operators allowing them to promote their services to vital foreign markets. It is hoped the TGTM will increase the numbers of golfers coming to Thailand to play golf and so help raise revenue in all parts of the country. To ensure the best exposure for sellers and give them the chance to meet a wide array of buyers, the TGTM 2017 hosted pre-scheduled appointment matching program and speed-dating.
Ms. Soraya Homchuen, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Mumbai commented, “Golf is big business in Thailand as the country has some of the best class golf courses. TGTM 2017 was a great opportunity for Thailand’s golf industry to show the world why Thailand is such an amazing golf destination while attracting new golfers to play and enjoy the legendary Thai hospitality and unique local experiences. We hope that evolved Indian travelers will come to Thailand to enjoy the Amazing Golfing experience.”
More than 150 buyers from 32 countries signed up to attend the TGTM 2017 with the majority being from Asia (65 buyers) and the ASEAN region (48 buyers). These make up the largest golf markets due to the proximity of Thailand and the kingdom’s excellent reputation for offering world-class golfing. In addition, 31 buyers attended from Europe and three from the USA. There were around 95 local sellers representing Thai golf courses, tour operators, hotels and travel agents attending to sell their services.
TAT and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) conducted ‘The Thailand Golf Paradise’ seminar on 25 July, that was attended by Thai and foreign experts to share their valuable experiences in the golf industry. In addition, the focus group meeting between TAT and golf courses in Khao Yai held on 26 July highlighted seeking joint promotions for the golf segment. Also, the session, joined by TAT executives, TAT overseas office directors, and marketing representatives, provided some advice on marketing strategies on how to strengthen the golf courses’ competitiveness in order to promote the country as the world’s golfing hub. Another highlight of the TGTM 2017 was the networking golf tournament for all participants, which took place on 28 July at the Bonanza Golf Club; The Rancho Charnvee Golf Country Club, and the Mountain Creek Golf Resort. This gave everyone the chance to discover some of the up-and-coming golf courses and facilities in the region of Khao Yai.
Many Thai golf courses and destinations have achieved international recognition and the resort towns of Pattaya and Hua Hin were voted as the Golf Destination of the Year for Asia and Australasia by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2012 and 2014. Chiang Mai was voted The Golf Destination of the Year Asia & Australasia 2017 by 220 golf tour operators worldwide. In addition, early in 2017 Thailand launched the first ever Thailand and Japan Golf Festival to encourage more players from Japan to visit Thailand for golf.
